So, you’ve decided to start a blog. Fantastic! You’re pumped, ready to write, and have already chosen the perfect font for your website. But then, reality hits you like a ton of bricks: What am I even going to blog about?
Finding your blogging niche is a bit like choosing your favorite ice cream flavor—there are so many options, but you’ve got to pick one (or at least narrow it down). You want something that excites you but also resonates with your audience. No one wants to read a blog about The History of Toasters unless you can make it mind-blowingly exciting (and if you can, teach me your ways).
In this guide, I’ll help you find your blogging niche, one step at a time. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds—and we’ll add some humor along the way to keep things interesting.
Step 1: List Your Interests and Passions
The first step in finding your blogging niche is to take a deep dive into your brain and ask yourself, “What do I love?” And no, Netflix binge-watching doesn’t count. Think about things you could talk about for hours without getting bored or paid.
Do you love cooking? Travel? Fitness? Maybe you’re a sucker for DIY projects or you have a secret passion for rare plant species. Whatever it is, jot it down. The more ideas, the better—don’t hold back. If you have a passion for Star Wars fan theories or knitting tiny sweaters for dogs, write that down too.
Tip: If you wouldn’t want to write about the topic even if you were trapped on a desert island with a laptop, it’s probably not your niche.
Step 2: Identify What You’re Good At
Now that you’ve listed your interests, it’s time to think about what you’re actually good at. This step requires a bit of self-reflection—basically, you’ve got to humblebrag. It’s okay, we’re all friends here. Are you great at giving relationship advice? Do people always come to you for workout tips? Maybe you’re the go-to person for organizing chaotic closets.
Bold Idea: Find the sweet spot between what you love and what you’re good at. Passion alone might not carry you far if you don’t know much about the subject. (I love sushi, but my knowledge of Japanese cuisine consists of: ‘Sushi good. Me eat.’)
Step 3: Research Your Audience
Now, let’s talk about your future audience. Who are they? What problems do they have, and how can you solve them? Finding a niche isn’t just about you—it’s about finding the overlap between your passions and what people actually care about. The last thing you want is to start a blog on 19th-century potato farming techniques only to realize no one else shares your fascination.
You don’t need to have a massive audience, but you do want to make sure there’s enough interest in the topic to justify all the hours you’ll spend writing. One great way to find out is by using Google Trends or tools like AnswerThePublic to see what people are searching for.
Fun Fact: You’d be surprised by the weird questions people Google, like “Do fish sleep?” and “Why are cats afraid of cucumbers?” Trust me, the internet is wild.
Step 4: Narrow It Down
So, you’ve got a list of things you love and things you’re good at. Now, let’s whittle it down. The goal here is to find a niche that’s specific enough to stand out but broad enough to give you room to grow. If your blog is too general, you risk blending into the sea of other bloggers. On the flip side, if it’s too niche, you might end up writing for an audience of three people (and that includes your mom).
For example, instead of starting a general “travel blog,” you could focus on “budget travel for solo female travelers.” Instead of writing about “fitness,” you could target “workout routines for busy moms.” You’re looking for that middle ground where there’s a defined audience, but not so much competition that your blog gets lost.
Tip: Think of your blog as a boutique, not a Walmart. Specialize, but don’t get too obscure. Nobody’s searching for a blog about left-handed underwater basket weaving.
Step 5: Spy on Your Competition
Don’t worry—I’m not telling you to stalk people (though a little healthy competition never hurt anyone). But it is a good idea to check out what other bloggers in your potential niche are doing. See what works for them, and—just as importantly—what doesn’t.
What kind of content do they create? How often do they post? What topics are they missing that you could cover? By observing your competition, you can spot gaps in the market that your blog could fill.
Also, this is a great way to avoid making a rookie mistake—starting a blog on a niche that’s already saturated. If you feel like you’ll be a small fish in a very big pond, consider fine-tuning your niche or adding a unique twist.
Step 6: Experiment
This is the fun part. You’ve narrowed down your niche, but you’re still not 100% sure? That’s okay! It’s time to dip your toes in the water and start experimenting. Write a few blog posts in your chosen niche and see how they feel. If it’s enjoyable, you’re on the right track. If writing about the topic feels like a chore or if you lose interest after three posts, it’s probably time to reconsider.
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a blog. Give yourself some flexibility to test the waters and see what resonates with your readers. You might find that your niche evolves over time, and that’s completely normal.
Step 7: Stay True to Yourself
Once you’ve found your niche, the key is to stick with it. But here’s the deal: don’t get so locked into a niche that you lose yourself in the process. Blogging is meant to be fun and fulfilling, so make sure your niche still feels authentic to you. If you start to feel like you’re forcing it, your readers will pick up on that.
It’s okay to pivot if things aren’t working out or if you discover a new passion along the way. Your blog should reflect who you are, not just what you think people want to hear.
Pro-Tip: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. The world already has one Buzzfeed.
Step 8: Plan for Growth
Once you’ve found your niche, think about where it can go in the future. Will your blog evolve into a podcast? A YouTube channel? Maybe you’ll create eBooks or start offering coaching services. You don’t have to have all the answers now, but it’s good to think ahead about how your niche could grow with you.
Fun Twist: Think of your blog like a tree—your niche is the trunk, but it should have plenty of branches (a.k.a. subtopics) to grow on.
Finding your blogging niche doesn’t have to be overwhelming or feel like you’re trapped in a box. It’s about discovering the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, and what others are searching for. Follow these steps, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a niche master.
And remember—whether you’re writing about travel, tech, or even toasters, make sure to have fun with it! That’s what blogging is all about.
Happy blogging!